Lightning prospect Nikita Kucherov (pictured) was in the Rouyn-Noranda lineup for the first time since December 7 because of his time with Team Russia at the World Junior Championships and an injury sustained in the tournament. On Thursday, he faced fellow Lightning prospect and Team Russia teammate Artem Sergeev, who was plus-3 with an assist. Kucherov is a boost for the Huskies lineup as they move toward the playoff race.

Lightning prospect Jake Dotchin was scoreless in a low-scoring Barrie win in St. Catherine’s. Niagara is no doubt missing uber-prospect defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who is on the verge of making the Boston Bruins.